Striker is optimistic of recall

Craig Mackail-Smith “understands” Craig Levein’s decision to leave him out of Scotland’s opening World Cup qualifiers, but hopes a hot streak at club level can help him return to the international fold.

The 28-year-old, omitted for Saturday’s clash with Serbia and next Tuesday’s meeting with Macedonia, also missed last month’s friendly win over Australia because of a back injury.

The seven-times capped forward, who is also behind Jamie Mackie and Kenny Miller in the pecking order, saw Jordan Rhodes and Ross McCormack make the most of their opportunities against the Socceroos by netting in the 3-1 victory.

But Mackail-Smith has scored four goals in his last two matches for Brighton and is optimistic he can force his way back. He said: “I’d have loved to have been involved, but Jordan Rhodes and Ross McCormack did fantastically in the friendly, both scored and I understand the decision. All I can do is keep scoring goals and, when my time comes, do the same for Scotland.”